SGI collision claims decline, weather considered possible factor

WATCH ABOVE: A milder-than-normal start to the winter driving season has resulted in fewer crashes but the snow is starting to fly. Ryan Kessler takes a look at collision statistics year over year and what factors come into play when collision numbers start to climb.

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Collision claims filed with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) in 2015 were the fewest the province has seen in at least six years. There were 127,585 claims filed with the Crown corporation across the province last year.

“It could be that fewer people are on the road, traffic volumes, that kind of thing,” said SGI spokesperson Kelley Brinkworth.

“Certainly the mild winter that we’ve had in a lot of parts of the province this year could be a factor as well, but it’s really hard to pinpoint one specific thing,” she said.

Unusually warm, dry weather has impacted business at Precision Auto Body Repairs in Saskatoon according to its CEO, Joe Giocoli. Seven centimetres of snow since early Wednesday have led to an increase in business.

“It’s probably selfish to say, but we call [snow] white gold. Anybody in our business calls this white gold. For us, it keeps the momentum of the shop going,” Giocoli said.

This is also the first winter where some damage appraisals can happen at auto body shops instead of an SGI claims centre.

The Saskatoon Police Service responded to 71 collisions between early Wednesday morning and early Friday afternoon. People are asked to slow down and recognize that snowfall and cold temperatures can create dangerous driving conditions.